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Maltese Stuffat tal-Qarnit — traditional dish from Valletta, Malta
Main course Fish & Seafood

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥520kcal
💪32gProtein
🌾28gCarbs
🥑28gFat
🌿3gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🦐 Shellfish

Maltese Stuffat tal-Qarnit

How to order / say it
Say it Stuffat tal-Qarnit — [stuf-FAT tal-KAR-nit]
Order I'd like the octopus stew, please.
Locally Nixtieq l-stuffat tal-qarnit, please.
Say locally

A traditional stew made with octopus, tomatoes, and potatoes.

Why try it?

Stuffat tal-Qarnit captures the spirit of Maltese maritime culture, combining the flavors of the sea with rich, earthy ingredients. It's a quintessential dish that reflects Malta's fishing heritage and love for hearty food.

How it tastes

Tender octopus pieces intermingle with tomatoes, potatoes, and a hint of red wine, resulting in a dish that's both savory and comforting. The slow-cooked octopus absorbs the aromatic broth, resulting in a rich textural experience.

Origin & History — first documented: 1850

This dish dates back to the 19th century when octopus was abundant along Malta's coasts. It quickly became a local favorite, celebrated for its blend of local produce and seafood akin to Mediterranean culinary practices.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🦐 600 g octopus
  • 🥣 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 🥕 400 g potatoes
  • 🧄 1 large onion
  • 🍷 100 ml red wine
  • 🫒 50 ml olive oil
  • 🧄 3 cloves garlic
  • 🌿 2 bay leaves

Method

  1. 1 Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
  2. 2 Add octopus and cook until browned.
  3. 3 Stir in tomato paste, red wine, potatoes, and bay leaves.
  4. 4 Simmer uncovered for 1 hour until octopus is tender.
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